Although there is a popular Muscle Beach in nearby Venice Beach, the Santa Monica location is considered the "original." Recent visitors said the Original Muscle Beach has a vibrant energy and ...

Muscle Beach in Santa Monica lit the spark for America’s fitness craze. Back in the 1930s, this sandy stretch just south of the Santa Monica Pier became a hot spot where gymnasts, acrobats ...

U.S. News Insider Tip: Rent an e-bike at one of the shops on the Santa Monica Pier and spend the afternoon riding 3 miles (one way) along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail to Venice Beach. Stop for ...

With a sandy, boardwalk-flanked beach on one side and a lush mountain range on the other, the 8.5-square-mile Santa Monica is like the poster child for that idyllic Southern California vacation.